Hardy and low-maintenance, yew shrubs are great for hedgesbut come with some safety considerations.
If youre looking for a shrub that stands up to almost anything,yewfound it!
The yew bush tolerates many conditions, from drought and shade to sun and moist soil.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
The seeds inside the fruit, however, are highly toxic.
Yews also form good windbreaks, borders, and foundation plants.
Plant these shrubs in any region other than the hotsouthern states.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
If the soil doesnt drain well, amend it with compost, leaf mold, or coarse sand.
Yews grow best in soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
Use a home test kit toconfirm the soil pHandamend soil as needed.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
If possible, add all amendments several months before planting the shrub.
If the pH is too high, lower it with elemental sulfur, aluminum sulfate, or iron sulfate.
Plant the shrub in the hole at the same depth as its container.
Credit: Jason Wilde
Fill around the root ball using the amended soil.
Water and add organic mulch over the root zone, but not touching the shrubs stem.
Yews, however, thrive in part sun and can also adapt to full shade.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Part shade is beneficial for any gold-leafed varieties and provides some protection from winter burn on the foliage.
Part shade is 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, mostly morning sun.
Soil and Water
Yews are tough plants that tolerate many different situations.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
The most significant issues to avoid are standing water and soil that stays wet for long periods.
This causes root rot and an overall decline for the plant.
Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
Yews will stay healthy during briefperiods of droughtafter one or two years from being planted.
When the shrub is newly planted, weekly watering is recommended.
Check the plant during drought conditions to ensure the soil isnt dry.
Credit: Scott Little
If it is, add water.
Temperature and Humidity
Yew shrubs love warmth and humidityup to a point.
After that, a once-yearly app of a balanced granular or liquid fertilizer around the dripline is sufficient.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Pruning
Pruning is best done in early spring, before a new flush of growth.
This ensures that new growth is bushy enough to fill in holes in the garden design.
Pests and Problems
Yew shrubs are sometimes infested by mealybugs and spider mites.
In the case of mealybugs, an app of insecticidal soap sprayed directly on them should kill them.
How to Propagate Yew Shrubs
Its best to be patient when propagating a yew bush.
The process can take up to 10 weeks or much longer if you start from seed.
Its ideal for rooting cuttings andstarting seeds.
Dont expect quick results.
It might take two years before you see a seedling.
Types of Yew Bush
Because theyreconifers, yews dont have flowers.
They produce cones instead.
Avoid planting male yew varietiesthese produce tiny pollen grains that can trigger allergies.
The pollen of yews can cause severe reactions in those sensitive to seasonal allergies.
It grows 15 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Its also a hardier substitute for Irish yew shrubs.
This variety grows 25 feet tall by 10 feet wide.
Zones 47
Capitata Yew
Taxus cuspidataCapitata forms a broad, dense pyramid.
It grows slowly to 40 feet tall.
It becomes a broad, upright column of greenish-black needles, and its upright branches adapt well to shearing.
It grows 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
Zones 67
Taunton Yew
Taunton yew (TaxusxmediaTauntonii) becomes a low-spreading mound to 3 feet across.
Zones 47
Frequently Asked Questions
Yews live astonishingly long.
The sap of yew shrubs is blood-red.
This phenomenon isnt harmful to the yew and doesnt last long.
The sap doesnt have a noticeable smell.
Like most of the rest of the shrub, the sap is toxic.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
“Taxusxmedia,” North Carolina State University Extension.
Combs, Sherry.Reducing Soil pH.Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension.
“Ancient Irish Yew Trees Born in Fermanagh.
“Irish Farmers Journal.
